3 Product Failures That Made the News

If you are in the business of manufacturing, you are likely aware that product testing is crucial when it comes to product development. This process allows for defects to be spotted and remedied. It also allows for any product shortcomings to be adequately supplied with much-needed reinforcement. If done successfully, product testing and quality control ensure that once you release your brainchild to the market, it is more than ready to thrive and succeed.

Unfortunately, there are still a few faulty market offers that slip through the cracks. Take for example these three newsworthy names.

Ford Pinto

Ford is one of the biggest brands in the automotive industry. If you drive one these days, you can, for the most part, attest to these cars’ reliability. But one thing that might surprise you is this: Ford has a dark history involving exploding cars. This explosive news happened back in the 70s. This situation, as industry experts at JTL America might tell you, underscores the utmost importance of reliable mechanical testing solutions. Otherwise, there could be long-term fallout. Case in point, for short of a decade Ford was bombarded with complaints regarding Pintos engulfed in flames after slow-speed collisions, resulting in major injuries, and, in some instances, fatalities. In the end, the company had to award remuneration to the victims of their exploding Pintos.

Thalidomide

In 1958, the United Kingdom granted a license to a drug called thalidomide. Dubbed as a “wonder drug”, thalidomide was supposed to alleviate symptoms of depression, insomnia, and morning sickness. It also caused the unfortunate phenomenon of the thalidomide babies—born with either no limbs or with shortened legs and arms. Distillers, the drug’s manufacturer, eventually had to pay damages to these children.

The Shuttle Space Challenger

NASA gave this spacecraft such a promising name. Ironically, it fell short, literally. Just 73 seconds after takeoff, the shuttle space challenger exploded. Now, where did NASA go wrong? They failed to test some of the spacecraft’s components in the extreme cold during which it was launched.

These three newsmakers are enough argument for the importance of airtight product testing and quality control. After all, lives are at stakes regardless of what the nature of your product is.